WASHINGTON - A coalition of environmental and health care groups in the
United States has issued a warning about mercury levels in tuna fish.

The group, called Health Care Without
Harm, says pre-school children should eat no more than one tuna fish sandwich
a week. It also says pregnant women should avoid it altogether to protect
against dangerous levels of mercury.

The coalition analyzed 27 samples of
major brands of tuna, fish sticks and shrimp from grocery stores. Tuna
contained the most mercury with an average of .167 parts per million.

Mercury can cause permanent brain and
nervous system damage to the developing bodies of pre-schoolers and unborn
babies.

Coal-powered utility plants are the biggest
producers of mercury emissions that contaminate streams, lakes and rivers.

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